It’s that itchy, scratchy time of the year, isn’t it? Not only is the humidity rising (care of the rain), but the dread pollen bomb has exploded over the UK – and don’t we know it. Puffy eyes, itchy skin, a runny and/or sore nose and sinus pressure, the threat of allergy face is real. Here, three experts share their practical tips for tackling it now.
Acupressure
“Acupressure is a highly effective method for relieving and helping cure many of the symptoms our body has when it has an allergic reaction, whether that is to the pollen, or multiple allergies relating to hay fever symptoms,” says cosmetic acupuncturist Sarah Bradden, who recommends working with the head’s acupressure points to help rebalance and stabilise the body so it’s in a strong place to ward off hay fever symptoms. “When pressing the points, hold (not ultra hard, but firmly), press and release as many times as you like. In the morning is a great time to start but continue pressing the points throughout the day.” It can act as both a preventative method and cure. Follow Bradden’s video above to know exactly where to press.
Protect your nose at all costs
One of the key areas that suffers the most during hay fever season is the nose – as those with red, sore ones will attest. Dr Mara Weinstein, consultant dermatologist to skincare brand LOUM, says that one of the biggest problems is the “allergic salute”: “It appears as a horizontal line across the bottom of the nose, where the dorsum (or bridge) meets the tip, and it’s a result of consistent, upwards rubbing in patients who have nasal congestion due to allergies,” she says. Yep, that skin barrier gets a real knocking.
Dr Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist for La Roche-Posay, has some recommendations: “In the first instance, consider an anti-inflammatory nasal spray to reduce swelling and inflammation,” she advises. “And then protect the vulnerable skin that is dry and irritated. Before showering, apply a barrier cream to the delicate skin not only around the nose, but the mid cheeks and eye area, to protect them from further irritation by shower gels and shampoos.” She recommends La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast – apply wherever there is chance of pollen or further irritation.
Soothe your skin
In fact, a savvy skincare routine is exactly what the doctor ordered when considering how to tackle allergy face; forgo harsh actives or anything remotely irritating in favour of soothing ingredients. “When exposed to allergens, histamine is produced, and this causes redness and swelling – and remember, pollens and other allergens may directly affect the facial skin as well as the nasal mucosa,” says Dr Hextall. “When skin is irritated, we tend to scratch, which further causes histamine release.” Over time, this thickened, scratched skin will cause irritation even away from any allergen stimulation, causing an itch-scratch cycle.
Using an extremely gentle cleanser, packed with barrier-building ceramides, should be a first port of call and you should wash your face after showering to ensure any residue from shampoo or shower gels is removed. After that, Dr Hextall advises harnessing the powers of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, followed by a simple emollient moisturiser to lock it in, further repair the skin barrier and prevent pollen reaching the skin. After that, ensure you apply a broad-spectrum SPF to protect.
Oh, and one last thing. You might experience “allergic shiners”, or dark circles which develop under the eyes due to the swelling and discolouration of small blood vessels that lie under the thin eyelid skin, explains Dr Weinstein. “Allergies can cause itchy eyes in general and often patients complain of persistent redness, scaling and eventually hyperpigmentation that can develop in the area.” It’s key to ensure all products used on the skin in allergy season have an anti-inflammatory effect – seek out ingredients like cica, colloidal oatmeal, vitamins C and E and turmeric. Aesthetic doctor, Dr Sophie Shotter, also recommends staying hydrated, to ensure eyes are properly lubricated.
Cool and depuff
“Using cool compresses over the skin and eyes can reduce discomfort and swelling,” says Dr Shotter. There are myriad freezable and gel eye masks on the market which can help with this, but if in doubt, keep face mists, masks and even moisturisers in the fridge – when you apply them, you’ll be in for a refreshingly cool treat. Another great hack – and yet another excuse to buy a pair of the face tools all over Instagram – is to hold a pair of cryo balls (kept in the freezer) over eyes and face for quick relief. The cold helps reduce blood flow to the area which takes down inflammation and reduces itching.
Over-the-counter remedies
Of course, there are myriad over-the-counter remedies that can help with allergy face, too. “Take anti-histamines and ideally start taking them before the start of hay fever season, so that you dampen your immune reaction more efficiently,” recommends Dr Shotter, who adds that it will help with keeping that puffy, itchy face at bay. Alongside the aforementioned anti-inflammatory nasal spray, try to rinse the area regularly with saline spray to remove pollen, and use a balm around your nostrils to help trap pollen. And finally? It’s time to invest in a pair of excellent wear-all-day sunglasses, because they help minimise how much pollen reaches the eye, reducing the symptoms.
Allergy face? What’s that?
Read the full article here